How Can You Tell If Firewood Is Sustainable?

It's getting to the time of year where you likely want to start using your log burner or open fire. The nights are drawing in and the weather has become chilly. But you also want to ensure that any fuel you use in your fire is as sustainable as possible.

So, what should you look for when sourcing firewood and how can you tell whether what you're buying is truly sustainable firewood? The following are a few tips to help you make the right purchasing decision for your firewood this autumn and winter.

1. Is it locally sourced? Generally speaking, the less distance the wood has to travel, the better. We source all of our firewood from within a ten-mile radius of our yard, for example, which means you can be sure that the fuel for your fire hasn't travelled further than it needed to before coming to you.

2. Does it have the Woodsure Ready to Burn certification? Logs with Woodsure's Ready to Burn certification are dry and ready to use immediately - which is what you likely want especially as we're moving into winter.

In practical terms, this means the logs are seasoned to below 20 per cent moisture. That means they produce less smoke and generate more heat as they burn.

3. Does it have any other sustainability credentials? While not essential, you may also want to look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, or you could also look out for the Grown in Britain accreditation.

It's important to note that not having these certifications doesn't mean wood is unsustainably sourced. Instead, check that your supplier is transparent about where they get their wood from. If they're happy to tell you, this normally means the sources are well-managed and sustainable.

An additional tip is to choose hardwood (like oak or birch) which will burn slower and therefore last longer than softwood. This is not only better for the environment but also better for your wallet!

• by Admin